I heard so much about this entry in the dark souls franchise. How this was everyone's least favorite. I think this is because there are technically two different Dark Souls II games. There's the original release, which i have a hard time finding and trying to obtain. And then there's this version, Scholar of the first sin, which is completely remapped and redone with all the expansions. Many of the complaints i heard when this first came out was that no one really wanted to buy this game again. "Its the same game, why would i pay for it again" was something i heard many times. Every tip, every map, every strategy, was not updated. Most were for the original version. So for the most part, i played this game blind. Another thing with this game, the servers got shut off when elden ring came out. I was alone, without help besides npc's summons. So, how did this affect my game experience.

I felt like a contrarian. Because i didn't understand everyone's gripes. But again, that was from their old play through of the original version. It was difficult, and took practice for figure things out. But much like my experience with the first Dark Souls, i kept going. And figuring out the new systems, and not having any real help, made it feel like gaming experiences i used to have when i was younger. Just wondering and exploring figuring out the game at my own pace. It was really wonderful, just getting enveloped into the world.

There were some difficulties. Understanding the new systems. Particularly vitality, until you figure out how it works and what the caps on the ability are. Its basically Dark Souls with extra mechanics and abilities. Though i found much of the community hated vitality, it helped me really focus the builds and understand them more thoroughly. Which i struggled, but the game has enough tools to help make builds from just about anything.

Story wise, this game has plenty of lore. Typically through the background but also with the characters around you. Much in the same style as Dark souls, but with different ideas and perspectives. I did feel it had much more developed lore than the last game. But also, again, this is a full 3 expansion remake of the original. So the story is better connected than what it was from what I've heard. But i can say that it had me entertained enough to go through multiple endings and events. Borderline all the content that the game could offer with a single play slot.

Overall, its a very good game. I know its not everyone's' favorite, but also i played a version many have not come back to. I also believe it doesn't overshadow Dark Souls. Which is nice because i feel that they have their respective differences that are worth exploring. Each game has its own flavor to it, and i think that this is worth its time invested. I actually went back to my old computer to grab my old save just to play this again. Which was roughly 101 hours. And i feel it was entirely worth it. Even the included expansions.

Now, onto Dark Souls III.